Pandemic Home Remodeling is Booming

As people are working from home and staying put due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are choosing to improve their surroundings and create retreats within their own houses. Homeowners are likely completing these projects due to extra incentives. Record high home equity levels, despite the recent economic downturn, is causing the housing demand to soar.

Moreover, a significant number of people are cooking and eating at home, which makes kitchens the center of family life. Kitchen and bath remodeling projects have always been popular, yet the demand increased by 40 percent in June compared to last year.  Home extensions and additions increased by 52 percent compared to 2019. Security and privacy measures (fence installations and repairs) also saw a jump of 166 percent.

Shelter-at-home orders obviously guided the increase in demand, as more than three-quarters of all U.S. homeowners said they had done some type of home improvement project during the pandemic. More than three-quarters also say they plan to take on a new home project in the next 12 months.

One online remodeling platform saw a 58 percent annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June. Outdoor spaces had the most massive increase in demand; pool and spa professional searches tripled from a year ago. The need for landscape contractors along with patio and deck professionals doubled.

Justin Sullivan, a home remodeling contractor, said, “We’re also hearing that the money that folks are saving from not going out to restaurants, not eating out, not going on vacations, those things are being saved and they’re deciding to add that value back into their homes as an investment. They have more confidence in their homes as investments.”

Check out the original article from CNBC to learn more about the home remodeling inflation. For all of your construction, repair, or home improvement needs, contact JFC Remodeling today.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Five Reasons to Hire a Tiling Professional

Tiling is much more complicated than it might seem. Whether it’s a floor, kitchen backsplash, or bathroom wall, there are several factors to consider before you tackle this project yourself. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects can be a nightmare if you don’t have the proper tools, let alone experience. Moreover, installations vary by medium, materials, and square footage.

Many tiles are made from delicate materials and installing them correctly can make a significant difference in the finished product’s lifespan. Hiring a professional to install tile might seem unnecessary initially, but you will be thankful in the long-run. Read on to discover why hiring a professional to tile your home is a better bet.

  • Design Options
    Since professionals install tiles daily, they are familiar with styles, textures, layouts, grout colors, and much more. Industry innovations and updates fluctuate – thus, licensed contractors can effortlessly adapt to changes and know best practices.
  • Speedy Installation
    It should go without saying, but here we are. Hiring a licensed contractor to install tile in your home will undoubtedly be much quicker than a DIY project, as you will have time restraints and schedules to follow. Additionally, an expert will lay tiles at a much faster rate since they are more familiar with the complex process.
  • Proper Equipment
    To install tiles, the tools sitting in your garage or basement probably won’t suffice. Specialists will not only come equipped with all of the right tools – they will also know exactly how to use them. It’s imperative to understand that tiling can be a messy job; letting someone else handle the mud, grout, and cleanup is the way to go. 
  • Reduced Waste
    Remember geometry class? No? Well, the contractor you hire to install your tile will be familiar with geometry to say the least. The progression of measuring, cutting, and fitting tile can be tremendously complicated. To lessen the amount of waste from your project, don’t DIY.
  • Home Protection         
    Hurdles will undoubtedly surface in nearly any home project. Tiling sounds fun and easy, but don’t forget about the dusty, dirty demolition. You might not have the capability to deal with unforeseen issues that arise in a DIY plan. Removing old tile, disposal, protecting trim and walls from damage, and closing off doors to contain dust are just a few of the extra precautions taken by professionals.

Thinking of re-tiling a floor, kitchen backsplash, or bathroom wall? Put the tools down, pick up the phone, and call the flooring experts at JFC Remodeling. Save yourself the headache and let us handle your flooring renovation from start to finish.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Choosing Materials for a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a bathroom can be exciting yet overwhelming due to the vast amount of available options. Having an overall plan or scheme is ideal; make sure to include a list of goals, priorities, and, most importantly, a budget. It’s all in the details – try to have a crystal-clear vision of what you want the aesthetic to be. Hardware, color scheme, patterns, textures, etc. are some ideas to explore.

How do you sift through hundreds of options to solidify your choice? Specialty design showrooms are a great place to start. They display finished plumbing, flooring, cabinets, lighting, and more. After you narrow down your ideal design, remember to factor in your budget. It’s also a good idea to have a backup or second option if your first choice is unavailable.

Here are some basic suggestions to help you get started:

Flooring
Choose an easy-to-clean, non-porous surface such as tile, ceramic, hardwood, etc.

Countertops
Any tough, durable, solid surface including granite, quartz, marble, and the like will stand the test of time.

Storage
Look for tall and spacious cabinets and sleek shelves to add a functional yet appealing touch.

Lighting
Set the mood with accent lighting, illuminated mirrors, and achieve specific color temperatures with specialty light bulbs.

After you choose the aesthetic of your new bathroom, you can start shopping for materials. Check out the complete article for a more in-depth look at fixtures, countertops, cabinets, flooring, and more.

You have the perfect bathroom planned – now you need the perfect bathroom remodeling contractor. Contact JFC Remodeling for your next bathroom renovation project at 810-923-1123. https://www.jfcremodeling.com/

DIY Tips – Saving Money by Demoing Your Kitchen

You can save a ton of money if you demo your kitchen instead of getting it done; however, it’s not for everyone. Depending on your health and any available help you may have, you might consider paying for your demo work instead. For those considering ripping out their old kitchen on their own, this article gives you a quick rundown of a few tips to follow before grabbing the crowbar and hammer. 

Prep the Space. Turn off the kitchen power supply from your circuit breaker box. A good tip you’ll want to remember is putting a piece of tape over the breaker for the kitchen, so no one accidentally turns them on, giving you an unexpected shock when you reach for an outlet. 

Turn Off the Water. Demo work is messy enough without burst water pipes. Be sure to turn off the supply usually found under the kitchen sink with a value or handle.  

Turn Off the Gas Supply. If you have appliances that run on gas, you will need to turn them off with the valve located behind the appliance. Ensure that you pull the appliance out carefully so not to dislodge the hose out of the valve. 

Rent a Dolly for Heavy Appliances. Don’t break your back, get some assistance by renting a dolly typically found at rental centers or home improvement stores.  

Lay a Drop Cloth on the Floor. This will prevent scratches and other damage. If you are also renovating the floor, you obviously do not have to do this.

Rent a Dumpster. A typical average-sized kitchen will require you to rent a six-cubic yard dumpster. These can be rented from your local waste management centers. 

Now you’re ready to begin the demoincluding the garbage disposal, sink, cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and dishwasher. For the next steps, read more from this article regarding the main kitchen demo.

These are just a few tips on prep work you will need to consider if you plan on remodeling your kitchen. Contact JFC Remodeling for your next kitchen renovation project at 810-923-1123. https://www.jfcremodeling.com/

Top 10 Bathroom Trends of 2020

Let’s face it, sometimes we all walk into a room of our house and just wish it had the latest upgrades and designs. This is especially true of our home’s kitchen, bathrooms, and living room. The living room and kitchen are where our friends and family gather and where love and laughter are shared. The bathroom is by nature, a private room, but depending on which bathroom we’re referencing, it can be open to others for use or just meant for yourself and close family members.

When you are in your bathroom, you want to have a sense of yourself to which brings you peace and reflects your style. However, it’s not always easy to stay abreast of the latest design trends. Fashion and décor are ever-changing, so we put together this article for the top 10 emerging trends of 2020.

# 1 Freestanding Bathtubs and Sinks 

This is a classic design that does not go out of style. Modern freestanding bathtubs are made with stone resin designs and traditional styles feature clawfoot or copper tubs. A freestanding bathtub and sink may cost you a little more, but they will retain their value and increase your home’s worth.

# 2 His and Her Private Vanities 

Not only do private vanities offer a practical solution to your bathroom, but they are also a trendy and timeless choice. His and her vanities provide enough space for two people to prep at the same time with no fuss of room or personal space being cramped.

# 3 Accent Walls

As the name suggests, it is a wall or walls in your bathroom that that are made from different materials and design from the rest of your space. An accent wall creates a focal point that provides a centralized location that can highlight a vanity, bathtub, or any other object to make it stand out. Popular materials in 2020 are marble, brick, mosaic tile, natural stone, and wood; the choice is entirely up to you.

# 4 Bold Colors 

Ironically, earth tones (browns, greys, tans, etc.), which have been popular for years, are now being contrasted with bold, vibrant color tones. Lime green is starting to gain in popularity as a summer color. Blues match well with more saturated spaces, and orange adds more warmth and depth. Before you go this route, make sure to look up design ideas as this can be a significant shift in mindset from softer hues that many of us are used too.

# 5 Heated Bathroom Floors 

Stepping on a frigid bathroom floor during the cold seasons will shock you awake. The trend of heated flooring is becoming increasingly popular because of advances in electrical heating technology, which offer two options. The first is hydronic heated floors, which are comprised of rubber tubes circulating heated water underneath the floor’s surface. The second is electric, which is made using a thin panel grid that heats the surface of your floor much, in the same way, an electric blanket works.

#6 Modern Light Fixtures

 Small chandeliers and hanging bulbs are becoming quite popular in 2020 bathroom designs. Another trend is to install wall sconces near your mirror, which can enhance the ambiance for those relaxing nights in the tub. Adding small accents can go a long way toward enriching your bathroom’s atmosphere without breaking the bank.

#7 Matte Fixtures

Black matte has been making a comeback with striking contrast and offering a bolder option for those who like to make a powerful statement. Bathrooms are not the only spaces where this design feature can be added; countertops, sinks, cabinets, and even ceilings are growing in popularity, and it looks like the trend has just started. Going with a matte finish is one of the most modern options available for a bathroom or any area in your home.

#8 Water Efficient Toilets

With smart home appliances on the rise, it’s no surprise that water-efficient toilets are becoming more attractive. Like the next generation of smart water heaters to refrigerators and now water-efficient toilets, technology allows us to make our lives easier by offering efficiency, which saves us money. Water-efficient toilets reduce the total amount of water needed for flushing, helping the environment, and saving us money on our water and sewage bills.

#9 Diverse Tile Textures

Another growing trend isdiverse tile textures. Throughout the years, people have been compliant with the same tiles, colors, and textures in the bathroom. However, the trend is shifting to incorporate the opposite – a more diverse and open concept where tile textures don’t necessarily match but still complement one another. Also, think of practicality. Instead of always choosing matching designs, consider selecting a tile or material that absorbs warmth for the bathroom floor.

#10 Open Concept 

The open living room and kitchen concept has moved onto bathrooms in 2020. Offering both privacy and space, open floor plan bathrooms is another emerging trend for master bathrooms. These larger sized bathrooms with sometimes glass shower walls remove restrictive barriers and allow for a more liberating but private experience. 

These are just a few bathroom trends making headway in 2020. If you are considering remodeling your bathroom keep these ideas on your radar and contact JFC Remodeling for licensed contractor help, you’ll be glad you did! For more bathroom trends of 2020, read this article here.